Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.
NTSB analysis
The powered parachute collided with power lines in a snow-covered, rural field; the pilot sustained major burn injuries and did not recall the impact or events leading up to the accident. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of flight control failure or malfunction, and fuel was present in the fuel tanks. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the power lines while operating at low altitude.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA076 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 19, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chester, Montana
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Buckeye Industries Inc DREAM MACHINE 582
- N-number
- N92048
- Category
- Powered parachute
- Year built
- 1998
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.